Cynical hostility, socioeconomic position, health behaviors, and symptom load: a cross-sectional analysis in a Danish population-based study

U. Christensen, R. Lund, M. T. Damsgaard, B. E. Holstein, S. Ditlevsen, F. Diderichsen, P. Due, L. Iversen, John Lynch

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cross-sectional association between cynical hostility and high symptom load in a Danish population-based study. Furthermore, the aim was to investigate to what extent health risk behaviors mediated this association. METHODS: Data were based on a postal questionnaire in a Danish random sample of 3426 men and 3699 women aged 40 or 50 years. Cynical hostility was measured by the 8-item Cynical Distrust Scale. High symptom load was assessed by physiological and mental symptoms experienced within the last 4 weeks. Confounders were age and socioeconomic position, while potential mediators were alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, and BMI. RESULTS: Higher cynical hostility was associated with self-reported symptom load. Health behaviors did not seem to mediate this effect. Socioeconomic position was a strong confounder for the effect on both health and health behaviors. After adjustment the effects of hostility on health remained with odds ratios of 2.1 (1.7-2.6) for women and 2.3 (1.8-2.8) for men. CONCLUSION: After adjustment for socioeconomic position, cynical hostility has an effect on self-reported high symptom load, and this effect is not mediated by health behaviors.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftPsychosomatic Medicine
Vol/bind66
Udgave nummer4
Sider (fra-til)572-577
Antal sider6
ISSN0033-3174
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2004

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